Malaysian Scientist Wins Prestigious Shaw Prize in Hong Kong
Professor Dr. Thein Swee Lay, a Malaysian native and graduate of Universiti Malaya (UM), made history by becoming the first Malaysian to win the Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine in Hong Kong. Dr. Thein shared this prestigious award with Dr. Stuart Orkin, the David G. Nathan Distinguished Professor of Paediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Their groundbreaking discovery of the mechanisms underlying the fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switch has paved the way for revolutionary therapies for sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.
Celebrating Success and Innovation
- Dr. Thein’s fellow UM alumni and Malaysians in Hong Kong gathered to celebrate her remarkable achievement.
- Reflecting on her success, Dr. Thein emphasized the importance of enjoying what you do and finding the right job.
- After graduating from UM in 1976, Dr. Thein pursued postgraduate studies in Oxford before joining the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Maryland, USA.
Recognition and Pride
Malaysian Chamber of Commerce president Datuk KC Gan expressed pride in Dr. Thein’s accomplishment, highlighting the significance of her win for the Malaysian community. Malaysian Consul-General in Hong Kong Muzambli Markam praised Dr. Thein’s success as a testament to the power of dedication and hard work.
Academic Excellence
- UM’s rise in rankings, now standing at 12th in the QS Top Asia Universities 2025, was also celebrated by alumni.
- The Shaw Prize, established in 2002 under the auspices of Run Run Shaw, recognizes individuals who have made significant breakthroughs in academic and scientific research with a positive impact on mankind.
- Each Shaw Prize category, including Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine, and Mathematical Sciences, carries a monetary award of US$1.2 million.
Dr. Thein Swee Lay’s remarkable achievement in winning the Shaw Prize underscores Malaysia’s growing presence in the global scientific community and serves as an inspiration for aspiring researchers and scholars around the world.
Conclusion
Dr. Thein’s groundbreaking work in understanding the mechanisms of hemoglobin switching has the potential to transform the treatment of genetic blood disorders, offering hope to millions of individuals worldwide. Her success highlights the importance of dedication, passion, and collaboration in driving scientific innovation and breakthroughs.
FAQs
Q: What is the Shaw Prize?
A: The Shaw Prize is a prestigious international award that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to academic and scientific research in the fields of Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine, and Mathematical Sciences.
Q: How does Dr. Thein’s win impact the scientific community?
A: Dr. Thein’s win highlights Malaysia’s growing presence in the global scientific community and serves as an inspiration for researchers and scholars worldwide, showcasing the potential for groundbreaking discoveries in the field of life sciences and medicine.